What are the best things to do in Cadiz? 17 tips!

Cadiz is a city in Andalucia, in the south of Spain. It is a great city to explore! What are the best things to do in Cadiz? 17 tips!

Table of contents hide

1 About Cadiz

2 What to do in Cadiz?

3 Good food and drink in Cadiz

4 Where to stay in Cadiz

5 Weather in Cadiz

6 Book a trip to Andalucia

7 Read more about Andalucia & Spain

About Cadiz

Cadiz is a beautiful city located on the southwest coast of Spain and is the capital of the province of Cadiz. The city is surrounded by the Gulf of Cadiz, a bay in the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, Cadiz has been an important port for centuries.

In the city, you will find many beautiful historic buildings, some beautiful parks and there are great food options on every street corner. On top of that, Cadiz is also surprisingly affordable!

What to do in Cadiz?

What are the most beautiful Cadiz sights and fun things to do? These are the best things to do in Cadiz.

Catedral de Cádiz

This magnificent cathedral is the most striking building in the city and dates back to the 18th century. It has different architectural styles, a beautiful altarpiece, and an impressive dome. The crypt is also very special to visit (it’s surprisingly big!), where the famous composer Manuel de Falla, among others, is buried.

An entrance ticket to the cathedral costs €7 (price 2023), which also allows you to climb the tower. From here you have a wonderful view of the old city and the Gulf of Cadiz.

Torre Tavira

Because Cadiz has long been an important commercial city, the old center is full of old watchtowers. From here they could keep a close eye on shipping. Although some have been lost over time, even 133 (!) currently remain. Torre Tavira is one of them. This tower is over 45 meters high, making it one of the tallest watchtowers in the city.

One of the highlights of visiting the Torre Tavira is the opportunity to experience the Cámara Oscura (camera obscura). This is an optical attraction where you can view live images of the city through a periscope, accompanied by a guide. They are projected on a white screen in a dark room. It looks like you are floating above the city and you can zoom in on different parts of the city to see the details of the buildings and streets. It is a unique experience and a great way to see Cadiz from a different perspective.

Because there are only a limited number of spots, you must reserve a ticket for a time slot. You can do this through the official website. It costs €7 (price 2023) and you pay at the reception when you arrive.

Views of Cadiz from Torre Tavira — View of Cadiz from Torre Tavira.

Walk across the bridges to the Fortress of San Sebastián

Way to the west of the city is a small island that you can reach via a beautiful walking path and a couple of bridges (this could so be a Game of Thrones location!). On the islet stands the Fortress of San Sebastián, or Castillo de San Sebastián.

During my city trip to Cadiz, it was unfortunately closed, but the walk is still worthwhile. In fact, from the castle, you have a wonderful view of the city and the sea.

Relax on the beach at La Caleta

La Caleta is a cove on the west side of the city, which includes the Fortress of San Sebastián. La Caleta beach is one of the most famous in Cadiz. It is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Around the beach are several beautiful buildings and viewpoints.

Explore the Roman theater

Teatro Romano de Cádiz is a bit hidden near the cathedral. These are the remains of a Roman theater dating from the first century BC. It is one of the largest ever built in Roman times and was not discovered until 1980.

To get there you go through a glass door where you are welcomed by a receptionist. There is a small museum and you can watch a short movie about the theater, which is very interesting. Then you walk through an ancient corridor under the theater and can climb up. It’s an amazing sight! Admission is free.

Callejón del Duende

To the right of the entrance to the Roman theater, you will find Callejón del Duende, a tiny street. It is hidden behind a fence (you can look through it) and it is incredibly funny to see. The narrowest street in town is full of flower pots and gnomes. Yes, you read that right.

Tip: Discover more interesting places in Cadiz on a guided tour of the medieval city.

Visit the Museo de Cádiz

Do you encounter bad weather during your city break in Cadiz? Then it is always fun to take a look at the Museo de Cádiz. This museum offers an extensive collection of archaeological finds and artifacts from the region and exhibits on local history and culture. Making it fun and educational! It is also free for European Union residents, other visitors pay €1.50 (price March 2023).

Take a stroll along the Paseo Campo del Sur

Feel like you need a breath of fresh air? The long promenade (Paseo Campo del Sur) along the coast offers beautiful ocean views and is a great place to stroll and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. You also have a great view of the cathedral from here.

Discover Plaza de San Juan de Dios

Plaza de San Juan de Dios is a beautiful square in the historic center of the city. The square is surrounded by charming buildings with typical Andalusian architecture, including the Church of San Juan de Dios and Cadiz City Hall.

The square features statues, fountains, and many palm trees. Street musicians also perform regularly, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Alameda Apodaca

Alameda Apodaca is a street/park along the sea and consists of several “rooms.” There are many statues, especially the one of Carlos Edmundo de Ory is very witty. It seems as if he has stepped off his pedestal. There are also many colorful benches and trees, making it a nice cool place on hot days. From each room, you have a beautiful vista of the azure sea.

Plaza de España

Like many Spanish cities, Cadiz has a Plaza de España. Built in the 1920s, this square is full of trees with colorful flowers. The large monument in the middle is a very notable structure and it can’t be missed. This is a monument honoring the Constitution of 1812, which was drafted in Cadiz and was Spain’s first democratic constitution. Plaza de España is a nice place to escape from the crowds of the city.

Baluarte y Murallas de San Carlos

Near the Plaza de España, you can climb up the old city wall. The path takes you to the sea and there are also several cannons set up there. It is a great place for a walk. You can pretty much walk all the way from here on the promenade and through beautiful parks. It is therefore a fine starting point for a nice long walk.

Parque Genovés

Parque Genovés is a large park on the northeast side of the city. Here again, there is a very different atmosphere from the other parks. At its center is the wide walkway surrounded by perfectly trimmed trees and shrubs. It feels a bit like walking in a castle garden. There are also many other tree species, a playground, and a terrace where you can enjoy a snack and a drink in the shade of the trees.

Gran Teatro Falla

Gran Teatro Falla is the main theater in the city and was named after the famous composer Manuel de Falla. It was built in the early 20th century and has a neoclassical style. The theater hosts various performances every week, so you can listen to opera and typical Spanish music, among other things, and you can watch theater and dance, including flamenco. Gran Teatro Falla is a great place for a night out.

Mercado Central Cádiz

The market is one of the most important places in the center. Daily you can visit Mercado Central Cádiz for delicacies, the hall is full of stalls where they sell fresh fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and other local delicacies.

There are many restaurants and cafes near the market where you can taste tasty local food, and there is also a regular flea market next to the market. A nice place to look around and go shopping.

Oratorio de la Santa Cueva

Tucked away in one of the narrow streets in the old town, you will find the Oratorio de la Santa Cueva. Built in the 18th century, this church is one of the city’s most impressive and iconic religious buildings.

Inside the church, you will find the Capilla de la Santa Cueva, a small chapel built in 1759 and known for its beautiful rococo decorations and paintings.

Discover the Viña district

Viña is a neighborhood in the southwest of the city and gets its name from the vineyard that used to be here. Now it is a district with nice narrow streets full of cozy cafes and bars. This is also where the Carnival of Cadiz takes place every February. A beautiful and vibrant neighborhood to explore.

Good food and drink in Cadiz

In terms of food, Spain is one of my favorite countries. It is (usually) super fresh, delicious in taste, and also very affordable. I’ve discovered a few cute places in Cadiz that I’d like to share with you.

La Miga De Oro: a good place for coffee and breakfast. It is a nice local joint on a quiet street next to the museum of Cadiz.
Churrería La Guapa: the place if you want to taste the most delicious churros in Cadiz. There are always long lines, but it goes pretty quickly. The churros are prepared in front of you. The cost is €10 for a kilo and you can order from €1. Then you already have a generous portion for 1 person.
Más que la Cresta: my personal favorite for lunch and dinner. This restaurant serves Latin American specialties and also has a vegan menu. The vegan hot dogs are delicious!
Taberna Casa Manteca: incredibly nice authentic tapas bar with typical Spanish classics on the menu. The place is always busy, so you may have to wait a while.

Where to stay in Cadiz

As you can see, there is more than enough to see and do to keep you entertained for a few days in Cadiz. It is therefore recommended to stay there for a few nights to discover all the beautiful places in the city. These are some great places to stay in Cadiz:

Planeta Cadiz Hostel – Located in the middle of the old town, this hostel is the perfect choice for budget travelers. Several dormitories and you have nice privacy because of the private curtain. The hostel has a spacious kitchen and a nice rooftop terrace.
Soho Boutique Columela (3⭐) – Cozy hotel in a great location in the old town. It has a rooftop terrace and even a swimming pool (seasonal).
Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas (4⭐) – Beautifully decorated hotel in the center of Cadiz. Each room is unique and some rooms have a balcony or small terrace.

Check out Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.

Weather in Cadiz

The weather in Cadiz is characterized by mild winters and warm summers with generally plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The average temperature in the summer months (June, July, and August) is around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, while the average temperature in the winter months (December, January, and February) is between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

I myself visited Cadiz in the month of March and it was really perfect in terms of weather (20 to 22 degrees Celsius) and it was also not (yet) as crowded as in the summer months.

Book a trip to Andalucia

Do you think it would be cool to explore the region of Andalucia in southern Spain? Then book your trip now!

✈️ Airline tickets

The largest international airports in Andalucia are Malaga Airport and Seville Airport. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.

🚆 Travel to Spain by train

Spain is very well accessible by train from other European countries. Check Rail Europe for train times and tickets.

🚍 Public Transportation in Spain

Within Spain, it’s very easy to travel by public transport. Check out the Omio website for all the options.

💊 Travel insurance

Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy (general) or Safetywing (for nomads) to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🎡 Tours and activities

There are a lot of fun tours and activities in the south of Spain. Check Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best guided tours and activities.

What are the best things to do in Cadiz? 17 tips!

About Cadiz